7.21 PM Friday, 29 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:56 06:10 12:26 15:53 18:37 19:52
29 March 2024

Made in UAE: First nanosatellite by Emirati students set for launch

(Supplied)

Published
By Staff

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) have completed the design and building of the communication Nanosatellite, Nayif-1.

The satellite has passed all stages and tests, and is now ready for launch into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket.

The UAE's first Nanosatellite was developed by Emirati engineering students from AUS under the supervision of a team of engineers and specialists from MBRSC within the framework of a partnership between the two entities, aiming to provide hands-on experience to engineering students on satellite manufacturing.

Ibrahim Al Qasim, Project Manager of Nayif-1 at MBRSC, said: “Nayif-1 went through several stages. As is typical in most satellite projects, we started out with the initial design phases and we then moved into further verification of these designs by assembling and testing some of the components, once our designs were finalised and verified we moved into the Assembly, integration and testing of the satellite flight model and readiness for launch.”

Regarding the tests Nayif-1 went through, Al Qasim said: “The flight model of Nayif-1 successfully completed all testing necessary to ensure that the main components of the satellite were working properly. This included tests on all subsystems such as the power subsystem, control subsystem, the satellite antenna and communication subsystem. These stages were followed by the control system calibration and environmental tests, including thermal and vibration tests, in addition to the final tests for the satellite systems, and measuring its final weight and size.”

Al Qasim confirmed: “The installation of the ground station was completed at AUS, which will operate and control the satellite throughout its journey in space. Nayif-1 is ready for launch now and it’s scheduled to be launched in the fourth quarter of the year. However, the launch date depends on the launching provider, bearing in mind that Nayif-1 is considered a non-primary payload, being a nanosatellite.”

Programmed to transfer messages in Arabic

“Nayif-1 is characterised with a number of advanced features, most notably that it’s programmed to transfer messages in Arabic. It also contains an active control system – usually satellites with a unit size of 10x10x10 cm which are known as 1U Nanosatellites use a passive control system due to their limited size. The control system works accurately to determine the satellite’s position and direction in space in order to maintain its balance attitude during operations,” Al Qasim concluded.

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC, said: “Sustainable development deliverables and the post-oil phase requires building specialised human capabilities, where entities and institutions have to launch programmes specialised in the science and technology sectors to achieve educational goals in line with the UAE’s plans and strategies.”

Al Shaibani pointed to the importance of the success the UAE has achieved in the satellite industry, saying: “The Emirati university students possess the required skills and capabilities to design and build a CubeSat as a result of a knowledge transfer strategy and cooperation between academic and professional institutions that are launching real space projects, enabling students to see the product of their work as a reality in space.”

Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, said: “Satellite technologies are destined to become an important part of the future of the country.”

Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah, said: “We look forward to engage more students in the post launch phase of the project to promote satellite and space education.”